Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the state legislative assembly on Wednesday, stating that the government cannot conduct a re-examination for the Karnataka Civil Services-2023-24 unless the court issues specific directions. The statement came amid growing demands for a re-exam due to alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment process.
Siddaramaiah acknowledged concerns over recent lapses, particularly in the Kannada translation of question papers, and assured the assembly that corrective measures would be taken. He emphasized the need to restore KPSC’s credibility and ensure its operations adhere to high standards of integrity. The chief minister also criticized previous governments for failing to implement necessary reforms in the commission, which has historically been embroiled in controversies and legal disputes.
Highlighting the systemic issues within KPSC, Siddaramaiah stressed that corruption must be eradicated from the institution. He noted that mistranslations of question papers and recruitment-related malpractices have repeatedly undermined the selection process, calling for strict action against those responsible. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that the administration would not allow such errors to persist.
The opposition, led by BJP leader R Ashoka, strongly criticized KPSC for its alleged deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement. Ashoka accused the commission of operating a recruitment system where selection rates were allegedly fixed. He pointed out that errors in the recent Gazette Probationers exam had caused confusion among candidates, leading to significant financial losses. He demanded that the government recover the estimated ₹30 crore loss from those responsible.
Siddaramaiah responded by assuring that his administration was committed to long-term reforms and that the selection process would be safeguarded against corruption. He drew a historical parallel to the Mysore Civil Service, once regarded as one of India’s most prestigious state services, and called for a return to such standards of excellence.
Additionally, he pointed out the discrepancy in the number of KPSC members compared to other states. He highlighted that while Uttar Pradesh, with a population of 25 crore, has only eight public service commission members, Karnataka, with a population of 6.5 crore, has 16 members. He attributed this increase to the previous Bommai government and suggested a structural review to ensure efficiency.
To prevent future translation errors, Siddaramaiah announced a new approach wherein question papers would first be prepared in Kannada and then translated into English, instead of the current reverse process. He also stated that translation agencies responsible for errors would be blacklisted, and strict disciplinary action would be taken against them.
Towards the end of the session, Siddaramaiah made a political assertion, stating that the Congress government would win the upcoming elections and he would continue to hold the chief minister’s post for another five years. His comments came in response to BJP members protesting the appointment of Congress workers as guarantee committee chairpersons and members.
Siddaramaiah confidently declared that the opposition would not be able to reclaim power, reinforcing his belief in the Congress party’s continued governance in Karnataka. The discussion in the assembly highlighted the government’s stance on the KPSC examination issue while also touching upon broader political narratives shaping the state’s future.
